Prabhupāda - His Name, Identity, and Representation
Śrīla Prabhupāda's name is the very center of our spiritual lives, representing his mercy and his sacrifice for our benefit. He did not want us to view him as a distant figure, but as a loving father whose name we carry with pride. By understanding how Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed his own name and identity, we can become more inspired to represent him with the dignity and sincerity he deserves.
Prabhupāda's Early Names and Lineage
Before he was known throughout the world, Śrīla Prabhupāda was a beloved child and a successful businessman. He shared these personal details—like his childhood name and his family's gotra—to help his disciples understand his roots. He even described how Kṛṣṇa destroyed his business success to kindly oblige him to take sannyāsa, showing how the Lord's plan is always for the best.
- The program executed by you on Janmastami and Nandotsava Days appears to be very nice and I am so glad that you remember my childhood name Nandu given by one of my uncles.
- Our (Prabhupada's) family gotra, or original genealogical line, is the Gautama-gotra, or line of disciples of Gautama Muni, and our surname is De.
- In the business circle, I got very good name, and with whom I was dealing business, they were very satisfied. But Krsna made so trick that He broke everything, and He obliged me to take sannyasa.
- Real name A.C. Bhaktivedanta.
Embracing the Name of a Sannyāsī
When Śrīla Prabhupāda took sannyāsa, he accepted a name that signified his total dedication to the lotus feet of the Lord. He was specific about how his name and titles should appear on his books, not out of vanity, but to ensure consistency and proper respect. He taught his disciples that the title "Swami" was not just a general term, but a part of his personal sannyāsa name.
- So far the title Swami is concerned, although this word is used generally for Sannyasins, this Swami is my particular name as Sannyasi. Therefore, it must be suffixed at the end of my real name, A.C. Bhaktivedanta.
- So far my name is concerned, there is no need of adding Tridandi Goswami, but simply have it as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, as it is already done in my other books, it will be continued.
- In each banking account my name is there as Acarya.
- So far my name being inserted just on the left hand of the Lord, is also very much appreciated.
Maintaining the Honor of Prabhupāda's Name
Śrīla Prabhupāda often spoke to his disciples about the responsibility of being his "sons." He had earned a respectable name through his behavior and his service, and he wanted his disciples to do the same. He taught that by keeping themselves above criticism and maintaining a respectable position in society, they would keep his name good in the eyes of the world.
- Up to now as I have got respectable situation, I wish that all my disciples will have similar respectable position in society. That will keep my name good. Like father, like son.
- You have written All Glories to Our Guru Maharaja. This is impersonalism. As soon as we offer obeisances to guru, the name should be there.
- Caesar's wife must be above criticism. Up to now as I have got respectable situation, I wish that all my disciples will have similar respectable position in society. That will keep my name good. Like father, like son.
- One thing I observed in that article, there is publication of my name, Swami A.C. Bhaktivedanta. So this indicates that your tour in Europe is going to be very successful.
Guarding the Truth of His Name
As the leader of a global movement, Śrīla Prabhupāda's name was sometimes misused by the media or misinformed individuals. He was quick to correct these errors, whether it was a newspaper misrepresenting his teachings or a person spreading bogus rumors in his name. He wanted his disciples to be vigilant and to always consult Śrīla Prabhupāda directly to ensure his mission was represented with absolute truth.
- This rumor that within a few years there will be police repression and people will have no more money to buy books and sankirtana will stop is completely bogus. Whoever told you that is a rascal, saying it in my name. I never said that.
- Suppose this life I am human being; next life I may not be human being. This statement was not liked by the newspaper man. He was told that next life you can become animal, so he has published in my name, - The svami can become animal.
- You can do it as you are doing it, but it is advisable to consult directly with Srila Prabhupada on such a matter specially if you are making some change in any of the publishing, that should be consulted with Srila Prabhupada first. Kindly do this.
- If the letter you receive in my name are simply requests for information, then you may answer on my behalf.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s name is much more than a label; it is a gateway to the spiritual world and a reminder of his deep, personal love for every one of us. By embracing his identity as our spiritual father and representing his name with purity and respect, we can fulfill his desire for his mission to remain above criticism. Let us always remember the personal care Śrīla Prabhupāda took in establishing this movement and work together to keep his name bright for all future generations.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category My Name (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.